After a life spent outside politics so far, businessman Craig Cannonier is ready to run as an MP for the Bermuda Democratic Alliance.

The 46-year-old yesterday became the first person other than the party's three former United Bermuda Party MPs to publicly declare he wants to stand as a BDA candidate in the next General Election.

"I'm hyped about this because I have never felt this before about either of the other parties," he told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

"When I speak to the people involved it's clear: there's definitely that energy that we can bring people together."

Mr. Cannonier said he has had an interest in politics for some time, but never felt inclined to join either of Bermuda's two established parties which have been locked in back-and-forth squabbling for years.

However, he became one of more than 100 people to join the BDA after being approached by party members who knew of his interest in local issues.

Asked whether he'd want to run as a candidate in any upcoming election, he replied: "Most definitely."

He declined to put a figure on how many candidates the Alliance would already be able to field, but said: "This is a group that's willing to go out and not be afraid to put their faces out there, to show they are willing to look for a better way."

Mr. Cannonier's background is in the East End — he was raised in St. David's and now lives in St. George's — but he would not reveal where he intends to represent the BDA. He said a decision would be made quickly so canvassing could get underway.

The dealer of two Esso gas stations in Par-La-Ville and Collectors Hill, Mr. Cannonier comes from a family containing supporters from both sides of the traditional fence — he's a cousin of both late PLP MP Larry Lowe and former UBP Minister Jim Woolridge.

Explaining why he joined the Alliance, he said: "The BDA has come as a result of a willingness to be more open about wanting to integrate Bermuda.

"Although there are those who wish to brand us, I don't believe that the mould has been made yet. This group brings a unique freshness to Bermuda.

"People are hurting; our young folks are frustrated. I believe the answers of a more secure Bermuda to all Bermudians lies within a more youthful leadership that can listen and learn from the successes and challenges of the PLP and UBP and then build on that.

"I think our two parties are so at war that they are not building on the successes and challenges of each other."

Mr. Cannonier said he believes there's no future for a branded black or white party, as the whole world becomes more integrated.

"I believe that's where the BDA has positioned itself: a united front," he said.

"The UBP has been able to bring blacks into its party but lately for whatever reason many of those blacks have felt marginalised. The PLP is also making inroads towards integration but maybe not as expediently as some would wish. As a result, we have BDA. This is not a breakaway party."

Some have predicted the BDA could get wiped out at an election because it would only succeed in splitting the UBP vote, leaving the PLP to clear up.

Mr. Cannonier argued: "We need to listen to what Bermudians are saying. There's a lot being said right now in Bermuda, from the wealthiest to grassroots. The answer to who leads Bermuda lies in the listening ability.

"If you listen to the tone right now, everyone is frustrated with the politics of Bermuda. We know that we are living in relatively hard times economically, we need to have affordable housing for Bermudians. We need to be able to come up with effective solutions to our concerns."

He said the BDA is currently thrashing out its policies on the key issues affecting Bermuda, adding: "I believe we need to be expedient. People are clamouring right now, wanting to know where we are. But racing to give an answer will always be the wrong answer.

"Everyone in the BDA comes with a particular expertise. We need to listen to people. These young folks within this group are willing to listen."

A constant theme of the BDA has been the group's aim to take racial division out of politics.

Mr. Cannonier said: "I don't believe people are that concerned about race. People generally right now are more concerned about: how do I get my next meal, how do I find affordable housing, how do I grow my business effectively, how do we intend to keep our economy afloat?"

The BDA has a series of presentations planned for new members over the next couple of weeks, with public information sessions at venues including the Leopards Club.

For more information, visit bermudademocraticalliance.bm.